Gallery: A Passage to India

Photographer Susan Aurinko wore a sari from Delhi and jewelry she bought on Devon Avenue. "I just love India," Ms. Aurinko said of her presence at the gala, which gave guests a sneak peek at the Field Museum's "Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts" exhibit, which opens Wednesday.

PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen J. Serio

Guests walked over a red carpet strewn with marigold petals. Prized for their color, marigolds are used in many Indian ceremonies.

PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen J. Serio

Amplified sitar music, played by Andrew Papadolias, cast a spell over cocktail hour.

PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen J. Serio

The Field Museum's Women's Board imported the gold-embossed, saffron-colored gala invitations from India.

Mark Tebbe, Richard Lariviere and Robin Tebbe. Saturday night's gala was Mr. Lariviere's first as Field Museum president. "My wife and I decided that this is so much fun, we're going to do it every two weeks," he said.

Mark Tebbe, John Rowe and Jeanne Rowe. The gala was Mr. Rowe's first as Field Museum board president; he is the retired chairman and chief executive officer of Exelon Corp. Exelon and BMO Harris Bank were the gala's major sponsors.

PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen J. Serio

India enthusiasts Gordon and Linda Marks drove to Chicago from Sarasota, Fla., to attend the gala; like subcontinent Deadheads, they travel the country looking for India-themed events. "This is the best we've ever seen,"said Ms. Marks. The two bought their gala garb in India.

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